HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — In the depths of summer, it’s probably not a great idea to take a hike in a spot known for high humidity and mosquitoes…but I did not take my own advice this week.
We visited Stumpy Lake Natural Area recently. It’s a spot known for great kayaking and fishing, but not for its walking trails. That’s probably why we pretty much had the entire place to ourselves while we were there.
It's surprising since Stumpy Lake is on the Virginia Beach/Chesapeake line - Virginia’s two most populated cities.
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Checking out Bennett’s Creek Park in Suffolk, with some very special company!
It has two interconnecting loop trails, forming a figure eight. One is about two-thirds of a mile long and the other is exactly a mile. Because the trails are flat, it’s pretty easy to tackle both in one visit.
It would be hard to get lost here, but the trails could be better marked.
On the plus side, the beautiful, tall trees provide a perfect canopy from the summer sun, keeping things cooler.
On the minus side, the trails border a cypress swamp.
And while it is also beautiful, we both noticed an increase in humidity when we got closer. We also received a big greeting from the local mosquito population.
Also, there are plenty of large tree roots along the path, especially toward the trail head, creating a natural obstacle course.
I plan to revisit these trails in the fall and winter when humidity is lower and mosquitoes are less active!
Check out all of my walks here.
